Highlights
After March's $176.2 billion deficit, the government's deficit 6 months into fiscal 2017 is at $526.9 billion and running 15 percent over last year. The receipts side of the ledger is down 0.2 percent and includes an 18 percent decline in corporate income taxes. The outlays side is up 3.3 percent with net interest, reflecting comparatively high U.S. interest rates, up 15 percent and with Medicare showing a 4.8 percent gain. If not for special factors (calendar timing of receipts and payments), the government's deficit would be a year-to-date $564.0 billion or 23 percent above last year. The next report is for the tax month of April and will be of special importance.

Definition
The U.S. Treasury releases a monthly account of the surplus or deficit of the federal government. Changes in the budget balance reflect Federal policy on spending and taxation. The government's fiscal year begins in October.
Why Investors Care